Northern Ireland

Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly leave St Patrick's country to live in Co Louth monastery

Former St Patrick's Way guides Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy. Picture by Mal McCann
Former St Patrick's Way guides Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy. Picture by Mal McCann Former St Patrick's Way guides Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy. Picture by Mal McCann

MARTINA Purdy and Elaine Kelly are leaving their tour guide roles in St Patrick's country to live at a monastery in Co Louth.

The former BBC journalist and lawyer, who in 2014 gave up their careers to become nuns, have been living in Downpatrick for the past 18 months working as walking guides with the St Patrick's Centre.

The pair moved to Co Down after leaving the Adoration Sisters convent in 2019 before taking final vows.

They were among four temporary candidates who left after the Catholic Church authorities decided no new candidates would be permitted to take final vows due to unsustainable numbers in the congregation.

Ms Purdy and Ms Kelly have since hosted guided walks based around the legacy of St Patrick.

Those who've joined the pilgrim walks have included former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte and Give My Head Peace's Tim McGarry.

They are expected to take up residence today at the Poor Clare's monastery at Faughart in Co Louth.

Their departure from the St Patrick's Centre was announced by centre director Tim Campbell at an event on Thursday night.

He thanked the pair and wished them well in their future endeavours.